With cars from the 1970s and 1980s becoming the focus of a new generation of classic enthusiasts, it is understandable that vehicles like this 1988 Pontiac Trans Am attract significant interest when they hit the market. This beauty presents exceptionally well, with its cause helped by a low odometer reading. If you find it difficult to resist, you will find the Trans Am listed here on eBay in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,400, but the intense bidding suggests it could climb higher before the hammer falls.
The overall appearance and condition of this Trans Am are pretty impressive. Although the seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence, it seems to support their claim that this beauty has a genuine 27,000 miles on the clock. Its Code 19 Black paint shines like glass, with it and the panels showing no evidence of flaws or problems. Considering how prone the front extremities are, its lack of chips in that area is particularly noteworthy. This area may have received touch-ups, but I’m willing to give the seller the benefit of the doubt that it is original. There is no evidence or mention of rust, with the plastic and glass also looking excellent. The original owner ordered the car with the optional Code CC1 removable glass T-Top for those partial to sunshine. The lack of evidence of interior water damage suggests the seals are in good order. The Trans Am rolls on its distinctive Black factory mesh wheels, which are free from marks and stains.
If Trans Ams from this era have received aftermarket additions or updates, you will often find them by opening the doors. This interior hasn’t suffered that fate, and its preservation is exceptional. The Gray cloth upholstery will often exhibit wear and marks, but that isn’t a problem here. The seats, other upholstered surfaces, and carpet are in as-new condition. There is no evidence of crumbling or cracked plastic, with the dash and pad free from UV damage. The comfort features may seem basic by modern standards, but they were as good as they got in 1988. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a rear defroster, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player.
Pontiac introduced the L03 version of its 5.0-liter V8 in 1988 to replace the previous LG4. This upgrade brought throttle-body fuel injection to the party, although many saw this as only a minor step forward after decades of carburetors. It generated 170hp and 255 ft/lbs of torque, and when bolted to the four-speed automatic transmission we find in this car, it allowed the Trans Am to launch through the ¼-mile in 16.3 seconds. Given what is considered a relatively modest power figure, perhaps the most impressive attribute is the car’s ability to reach 131mph. This is evidence of the aerodynamic efficiency of the ’88 Trans Am, which had become the company’s focus as it struggled to cope with tightening emission standards. This car is in excellent health and has a claimed 27,000 miles on the clock. It runs and drives as it should, ready to head off into the sunset with a new owner behind the wheel.
Gauging the desirability of a classic is not difficult if it generates interest at auction. That is the case with this 1988 Trans Am, which has already received twenty-eight bids. With plenty of time remaining on the auction, I believe the action will only intensify as the end grows near. Recent sales results suggest it should climb past $20,000, while I wouldn’t rule out the idea that it will eventually hit $25,000. Would you be interested in this classic at that price, or will it sell for a lower figure?
I like when any Trans Ams and Firebirds appear here but especially listings from the 80s, where they’re too new for the auction show snobs but too old to be denigrated because they have the LT1 instead of the LS1.
Nice ride.
My best friend had bought one of these in 1988 when they first came out it was a GTA with a 305 instead of the 350 and a fart down the highway could have blown past this car they were so lacking on the power it was disgusting once he figured that out he got rid of the car he was highly disappointed I can go into a lot more detail on all poor advanced the motor was the motor was a flop my buddy was so mad at the price tag at the time was 27,000 after the financing if I remember correctly he was not happy especially the day we had got past on 95 North going towards Boston we’re in the high speed lane and got passed by a 75 or 76 mustang Cobra with five guys in it and they were laughing at us as they blew past us at 90 miles an hour like we’re standing still that’s when my buddy decided to get rid of it seeing how they were only two of us in the GTA the car was a joke but if you want it for looks hey they are a good looking car and they handle very well but as far as the motor I wouldn’t piss on it if it was running on fire, LOL just saying
, Awful lot of money for just a nice looking car that can’t get out of its own way but good luck with it whoever gets it you’ll definitely need another motor if you want to go anywhere any faster that is
Yes these cars were slow in their stock form….. But they are perhaps the most beautiful sports cars of their time, and in fact still to this day! If someone truly appreciates them for their true beauty and design they would spend a little money on the drive train. It really wouldn’t take very much money or effort to get 380-400 HP out of the 305’s and 420-450 HP out of the 350’s.
The 305 was a reliable but poor performance. GTA with the5.7 and up graded suspension was the car of the 80s
Wow they not that bad
Wow, not much info.
131 mph top end isn’t anything to sneeze at, perhaps your buddy wasn’t much of a driver? The 76 Cobras had a choked down 302 / 2 barrel boasting a whopping 140 HP! Or the Cobra was packing something other than stock engine? A friend of mine bought one of these new in 88, it was a white GTA with the 350. He did some mild work under the hood, headers…etc and gave it to his 16 year old son in the mid 90’s. It was a pretty strong runner for that era and I always loved this car. The kid hated it and eventually traded it to a Civic with a fart can exhaust!
Nice looking car with the worst motor option available… ugh.
I had exactly the same car, I do not remember exactly the year, around 1990/91. It was exactly same color, same rims, t top, gray cloth interior but TPI not carb, and 5 spd manual. Stripes delete. I had installed a modified computer chip and sport exhaust. I am writing from Switzerland. I drove that car with lots of satisfaction, it reached 250 kmh and I was battling with Saab Turbos in the fast lane. Best trip was to Saint Tropez in the french Riviera
Love 80s cars. When people get sick of paying $100,000 for 79 Trans Ams that ride like a bucking Bronco and rust before your eyes, people will be snapping theae up. The ride and handling far superior to 70s cars.
A friend of one of my roommates bought one of these new in the late 80’s. He let me take it out for a drive with the t-tops off. I never drove a car before where I felt the heaviness of it, along with the ungainly handling. I couldn’t wait to get back home.The light purple color didn’t help it either.
Love this Bird…David Hasslehoff would be proud!
Blast the WhiteSnake!
👍🤓
Ha! I had a girlfriend once who had ‘dated’ the drummer for whitesnake. At least that’s what she told everyone. I was never real sure what that meant and made a point of not really asking about it.